In the quiet room of the chancellor's residence, faint wisps of smoke still lingered in the air.0

A masked figure in black stood respectfully before the table. "As per your order, Chancellor, I have retrieved the jade pendant," he said, placing the pendant engraved with the character "Shen" on the table.0

"Last night, I sustained some minor injuries and had to find a place to treat my wounds before returning, which was why I came back late. I hope you will forgive the delay."0

Su Qian still maintained the appearance of a middle-aged scholar. With his delicate features and gentle demeanor, he looked rather feminine. Yet, when his brows arched, the subtle shift in his expression revealed a hidden and unyielding authority.0

"You've done well. Why would I blame you?" Su Qian replied with a faint smile. "Shen Qingyan managed to wound you with her divine skills? It seems her cultivation is truly impressive."1

The man in black froze for a moment. Why does he sound pleased that I was hurt? By that logic, would he be overjoyed and praise her strength even more if she had beaten me to death?0

Though these thoughts raced through his mind, he didn't dare voice them. 0

Instead, he nodded and said, "Indeed. Even setting aside her musical prowess, Shen Qingyan's cultivation alone ranks her among the finest in the members of the sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten."0

"Hehe," Su Qian chuckled softly, shaking his head before continuing,...0